“As a bird that wandereth from her nest, So is a man that wandereth from his place. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: So doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; Neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: For better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and are punished. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, And take a pledge of him for a strange woman. He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It shall be counted a curse to him.”
Proverbs 27:8-14 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.27.8-14.KJV
Live Prepared
Pause and think of the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, or pastors.
But does your list include you?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to…
“…Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
We can’t expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded unless we are also observing His commands ourselves.
Do we want people to learn about God’s love? Then we need to show God’s love to people. Do we want people to learn about Jesus’ compassion? Then we need to be compassionate. Do we want people to give generously? Then we need to be good stewards of our own money. Do we want people to study God’s Word? Then we need to study it for ourselves.
When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His ...